Uvaguilera Aguilera Palomero 1999

This wine came highly recommended to me as a special bit of juice from Ribera del Duero in Spain. Despite the price difference with the US (it is $40 there), I decided to give this a try because of the recommendation. Apparently Uvaguilera also makes a barrel selection version of this wine from the top 40 barrels, at twice the price.

This wine certainly aged well - it had a nose of blackberry, earth and vanilla that was rich and intense while also being perfumed and exceedingly pleasant. The palate had a limestone edge with distinct herbs, licorice and lush black berry fruit filling out the mouth. This was very very layered and had a complexity and depth way beyond the norm. The very long finish 45-60 seconds made this a great wine - and, if you could get it at the US price, the steal of the century.

Excellent to Excellent+
$95 at Everything Wine